Illuminated Atheist was created by Matt Luckhurst in 2010 for his Masters Thesis at The School of Visual Arts in the Flatiron District of New York. He graduated from the MFA Design program the same year. Originally from Vancouver Island, British Columbia, he also holds a Bachelors in Design from the Alberta College of Art and Design. Aside from being an Atheist, he is an illustrator, designer and motionographer and currently works out of Brooklyn, NY. Illuminated Atheist is composed by a host of other characters helping to contribute to its growing and evolving site. Anyone who agrees with the philosophies put forth here is encouraged to get in touch and get involved.

Reasonable, Rational and Human

Illuminated Atheist is first and foremost a philosophy, to be Reasonable, Rational and Human. Meaning we embrace the ideas of natural world, rational thought and human nature. Atheism is quite often mistakenly seen as a cold and distant world, rather than the beautiful, important and engaging philosophy that it is. Viewing the world in a rational manner, as we understand it through science, in no way removes the significance of life or the lives humans live, rather it gives us understanding and appreciation. We do not rant or rave against religion, rather we attempt to give stories of all forms of non-belief a stage to show them at their best.

We illuminate words and thought through art and design. The name Illuminated Atheist come from subverting the idea of illuminated manuscripts. In the middle ages the church illuminated their texts to present them in a populist manner. When their ideas were uncommon and unaccepted they socialized them through art and typography, as well as added value and history to their words. Essentially taking words and making them objects. It is in this vein that Illuminated Atheist works, but with a much different philosophy in mind. Namely, one of truth for individuals.

There are over 100 million people living in America who do not believe in evolution. Instead they look to creationism to explain life on earth, meaning they think the earth is 10,000 years old, rather than the four and a half billion it actually is. It is a staggering piece of ignorance. America is home to some 40 million non-believers, but that is a rather measly 16%. However, our numbers are growing. Over the last decade there has been around a 10% rise in non-belief across the country, faster than any religion. But one only need to turn on the television to see America is trending towards some very radical conservatism. Illuminated Atheist hopes to stand as a pillar of reason in recognizing humanity and rational thought.

Over 100 Million Americans Still Deny Evolution